By ROB HAMILTON

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For Highland to improve on last season’s 8-15 mark, they will have to get strong production from a young team missing one of its all-time greats.

The Scots graduated Jett Swetland from last year’s team after a career which saw him become the school’s all-time top scorer and rebounder. He was also a two-time Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference player of the year. The team also graduated starters Byron Belcher and Nathan Hilborn.

Head coach Matt Bradley, entering his third year with Highland, does have five letter winners returning, though. Seniors Shane Carney, Trent Mason and Thomas Wheeler are back for the Scots, as are junior Quin Winkelfoos and Dylan Tuggle.

“We have some experience returning, but overall are very young,” said Bradley. “We look to improve every day. Our goals are to compete for the MOAC title and host a first-round tournament game.”

Bradley added that his team will be depending on a number of varsity newcomers this year. Juniors Alex Mason, Max Schreiber and Colten Liszkai; sophomore Caleb Dodds and freshmen Mack Anglin and Andrew Wheeler will all be expected to contribute.

Bradley noted that the MOAC could be a very competitive conference this year, citing Centerburg, Mount Gilead, Fredericktown and Cardington as potential contenders.

Rob Hamilton can be reached at 419-946-3010, ext. 1807. Connect with him on Twitter at @SportsMCS

Rob Hamilton | Morrow County Sentinel The Highland varsity boys’ basketball team is pictured above.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/12/web1_highlandbbb.jpgRob Hamilton | Morrow County Sentinel The Highland varsity boys’ basketball team is pictured above.